CITY RECEIVES ADDITIONAL $2M GRANT FROM HUD TO MAKE 120 MORE HOMES LEAD SAFE

"This is a tremendous opportunity for

residents to easily and efficiently ensure the safety of their homes," Hauck

said. "Not only will this benefit families with children six and under who live

there or visit regularly by safely removing harmful toxins, but program

participants are also eligible for window and door replacement related to lead

abatement, which will ultimately provide better insulation and reduced home

heating costs." 

With 94% of its housing stock built

before 1978, Somerville is currently ranked the 11^th most at-risk

community in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for risk of childhood lead

poisoning. All homes built before 1978 may be at risk of containing lead, and

homeowners and residents are encouraged to call the Lead Hazard Abatement

Program for information on lead testing. 

It is estimated that the funds will

help protect almost 5,000 children from the dangers of lead paint over the next

two decades. On top of a $1,500 per unit tax credit, the Lead Hazard Abatement

Program offers 0% interest grants to income eligible homeowners and investor

owners in the City of Somerville to make their properties lead-safe. Tenant relocation

costs including hotel, food, and kennel services will also be reimbursed by the

City.

The

Lead Hazard Abatement Program is designed to provide an incentive for property

owners to comply with lead laws, create safe living environments for families with

children and maintain affordable rental units. For those residents who do not

have children six and under who live there or visit regularly but are income

eligible, the Housing Division also offers 0% interest loans through the

Rehabilitation Program.

For more information

please contact Daniel Hauck at (617) 625-6600 ext. 2587 or Vicki Wairi at (617)

625-6600 x 2588.